Tech

The Branded Game App As An Effective Marketing Channel

Published

4 years ago

March 9, 2021

When you get it right, game apps can be extremely lucrative – although not in the ways you might think. When a game or game suite suits the style of an online business, not only can you introduce your brand to a huge niche group of online gamers, you also get to show off your creativity and willingness to go beyond the basics for your existing and future customers.

Global consumer spending on mobile apps was up 30% in 2020 – reaching US$111 billion in the fourth quarter of last year. Both iOS and Android apps have enjoyed an upward trend; with lockdowns continuing, we can expect that curve to rise. Furthermore, as technology improves the opportunities for brands to create their own online games and associated apps has become a viable and cost-effective marketing strategy for businesses large and small.

Of course, unless your company can create the equivalent of Arena of Valor, Candy Crush Saga, Rise of Kingdoms and Pokémon Go, you can’t expect a high ROI. You will only get returns on an app that is not connected to a website if your offering excites the masses and is a unique experience. Adding an app to accentuate your brand, however, has many advantages.

It is easy to match game apps to your niche. You can include CTAs within each app that encourage your users to visit your website, leave feedback and comments, and join or form appreciative social media groups. As the top marketing strategies of 2021 are a strong social media presence on multiple networks, high authority, and unique, engaging content, creating a branded game app ticks at least two of these crucial boxes.

Who Downloads Gaming Apps?

Why would I want to limit my target market to the 16 – 24 age group?

There’s a huge myth that game apps are only downloaded by younger age groups who do not have the purchasing power of the over 30s. In truth, mobile app users are spread across most age groups; the average age of the mobile gamer is just over 36 years of age. For many business owners, this is a surprising statistic. Even more surprising is the fact that nearly a third of game applications are used by the over-45s niche.

Gender has very little effect, too. Over 46% of gamers are female – and these tend to play slightly more often and for longer periods than males. The myth that young males with very little income are more likely to purchase your branded app is just that – a myth. Chances are, your own phone – whatever your age – has at least a couple of games on it that you turn to when travelling, relaxing, feeling bored or in the mood for a little competition.

How Expensive Is App Development?

You don’t need to invest serious sums into app development – as long as you are happy with using templates. Mobile app builders that do not require the user to have coding knowledge can be found all over the Internet. Select low-code or no-code application development platforms and the majority of the work is done. Bear in mind that many of the lower-priced online app developers charge a percentage of the revenue when you implement their templates. If they charge a higher monthly rate without asking for a percentage, royalties may still be charged via in-app monetization features. While these cut into your app ROI, this visual, fresh and fun channel has the potential to boost a broad range of marketing strategies.

Be prepared to spend at least US$50 per month for each game if you create an app using a template. Lower-priced plans will limit branding capabilities. Most build features include a set or unlimited number of worlds and scenes with or without splash-screen customisation (a priority when linking a game app to your business). Other essential features include app launch on mobile and desktop devices, integration with monetization partners, analytics and in-app purchases. Take your time to read the fine print and compare services. There is no need to spend thousands on a custom app unless you own a multinational company.

Hiring a professional service to develop a unique app means costs run into thousands of dollars. It is not unknown for popular games to have required investments of a quarter of a million US dollars. Most of these are revenue-based and create returns through ads. For example, Candy Crush Saga gives players the opportunity to view ads for free plays and tools. When developing an app to support an existing online business, ad revenue should be very limited. This means a pure app to revenue ROI is low; costs are reimbursed through app-related brand awareness and increased traffic.

Using freelance services offered by individuals may cut costs but be sure to research experience levels and ask for a portfolio of previous work. Agencies that offer turnkey app development packages ask high prices but generally produce a finished product that works well according to individual specifications. Again, portfolios of previous apps should be available to any agency’s potential customers.

How Long Before I Get Results?

With the right game, design, technology and marketing, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t start to see a return on your investment within 3 to 6 months. For many budding entrepreneurs, this is too long. And if you are thinking of ROI on app development costs, it is unlikely you are implementing your brand-focused game with the correct intentions.

Your app should be part of a marketing strategy for your existing service or business. It is a traffic provider, a brand advertiser and a source of data. It is a means of existing and potential customer engagement, a platform that informs individuals about your niche topic, a way to get similarly-minded individuals in contact with each other, and an additional but often ignored media channel.

This means branded game app results have the potential to affect all aspects of your business plan. However, you won’t be able to point your finger to one specific monetary source and thank your stars you decided to develop a mobile game.

The first statistic you should bear in mind when thinking about developing an app is that paid apps make up less than 4% of total downloads. Nearly 97% of downloads are comprised of free apps, with or without in-app purchasing. There is very little point in developing a paid app unless you are a known, trusted and popular game brand. Even low-priced apps turn off millions of potential users. In short, your branded app must be free.

Planning Your Game App

Naturally, planning which game to use is central to the success of an application. There’s no point designing a shoot-em ‘up game for Amnesty International unless the goal of your marketing strategy is to get people talking about your brand and you don’t care what they say about it. For most of us, this is not the case.

It takes a creative mind, a game planner and a marketer to come up with a winning combination of design, game plot and in-app branding. For businesses that sell new designs every season, integrating the latest fashion, furniture or decoration into gameplay means regular maintenance and update costs. Dressing a personalised virtual model in the clothes your shop sells is a costly undertaking.

Picking a core feature of your service that remains relatively stable drives development costs down. If you supply computer parts, offering a “build your own computer” app that encourages players to use a mix of cheap to expensive generic parts linked to equivalents offered by your company would greatly minimize maintenance costs. Integrating in-app monthly competitions for best performance-to-cost solutions for office, home and professional gamer, for example, could be hosted on social media and linked to your webshop. Your game planner must not only be thinking of a game that is fun and runs smoothly, he or she must continuously incorporate marketing tactics. The best apps are the result of a close working relationship between designer, developer and marketer.

If you sell pet supplies, an app that tells people who are thinking about getting a dog which breed best fits in with their lifestyle and budget has already been done many times by your competition. However, allowing your users to select high activity, medium activity and low activity breeds and then simulate a week of dog-related duties in an engaging and fun way could give your app the edge. At every stage, your brand needs to be visible – either your company logo or, at minimum, your brand colours.

Marketing Your Game App

You don’t need to research your app market in the same way as you have researched your target audience – the gaming app niche is immense. It is very likely that a well-designed game will be downloaded by people far outside the borders of a company niche. Not only does this expand your potential public, it also brings in data from underanalyzed groups. With gaming apps, you have the opportunity to tap into one of the largest global niches.

To get a slice of that market, you need to invest in every marketing channel. This additional cost is rarely included in app builder packages, except in terms of ads. As ads can be off-putting (just read Google Play and App Store game reviews to see how many people complain about excess advertising), limiting this form of monetization is a good idea – especially when you are not linking your app to a pay per click website.

As a branded app is a marketing strategy, it must link to your online presence in the maximum number of ways. If an app user can’t be directed to your website from core pages, something is wrong. If your app can’t publish high scores or player stats to social media profiles with the click of a button, you are not making use of your app’s marketing powers. Influencers should be playing your game online and telling their followers where to find it. Link partners should be redirecting to both your web pages and your app’s Google Play and App Store page. Again, your app is not a service or a product, it is a marketing channel that supports your true online presence – your website.

While website marketing 101 places SEO and content in pole position, such strategies are slow. The inclusion of a social media presence, partner site backlinks, branded app and influencer support are quicker ways to get signups but no-one should ignore the die-hard search engine optimisation route. Getting your app and website added to review sites will make a difference…as long as the feedback is good, of course.

The quickest way to get traffic is to pay for it. And practically every new business invests in regular paid traffic deliveries from professional traffic providers. All of the best web traffic services will be able to supply targeted human traffic from gaming communities for your app, as well as the target niches that best describe your service, from sports enthusiasts to couch potatoes. By forwarding their own website visitors to your online presence – your website – there is a high chance they will – at minimum – navigate your pages. Should you provide sufficient reason for engagement, this investment will most definitely pay off. When targeting the gaming community, you should have these paid visitors redirected to a landing page that advertises, describes and links to your branded app.

When you buy targeted website traffic from a reputable provider, results are immediate. This makes paid traffic ideal as an early marketing campaign. Ordering 250,000 monthly US visitors from both your target audience and the gaming niche at ultimate Web Traffic costs just over $700 per month.

As gaming communities are higher-converting in terms of signups than other eCommerce groups, even a low conversion rate of 2% would provide 5,000 new app downloads every month. These numbers increase at a steady rate and give slower marketing strategies the time they need to catch up. Very few online businesses survive their first months – without paid website traffic, such statistics would be even more uninspiring.

A New Branded App – Small Investment, Broad Return

Cutting corners is usually a prerequisite when it comes to developing a branded app when you’re not one of the big brands; however, app investments bleed returns into every marketing channel.

While it’s tempting to go for the lowest app dev plan, consider your marketing budget first. If you already spend a large percentage of your monthly budget on marketing, why isn’t a proportion of this being released to open up a fresh, exciting, visual and fun channel?

The upfront costs of a new app are not so high when compared to the combined price of continuous fresh content, popular keywords, ads, paid traffic, social media accounts and video footage. At the same time, the excitement a unique game can generate – not to mention its capacity to ensure people know about your brand in a less in-your-face way – adds value to your customers.

Start envisioning what parts of your business could be represented in a fun, competitive way. With this as a starting point, it won’t be long before your business can add this rapidly-expanding channel to its increasingly successful marketing funnel.

Related Topics:Game app How to choose mobile app as a brand marketing channel

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Featured

Horse Racing Games For iOS

Published

4 weeks ago

March 21, 2025

Olivia

Horse racing is a globally spread sport with billions of fans worldwide. The thrills of the races and the excitement of the betting make horse racing quite popular among adrenaline rush seekers.

However, unlike other sports like football or basketball that you can actually try in your backyard, becoming a racehorse rider is out of reach for most people. But all hope for our fellow race lovers is not lost and the gaming world comes to the rescue.

We are talking about horse racing simulation games where you can pick or breed your own horse, participate in online racing tournaments, earn prestige, take care of your horse, and much more.

Horse racing video games are perfect when it comes to getting the bigger picture of the sport and familiarizing yourself with other aspects apart from racing, like stable management, breeding, and finance management.

On top of that, horse racing video games can help you understand how the sport works, which may help you with the next bet you make on TwinSpires.

Fortunately, there are plenty of horse racing games for iOS, and in today’s article, we will highlight some of the best that you should try.

Rival Stars Horse Racing

This is a game made by a legendary horse race video game developer called PikPok and it is without a doubt one of the best horse racing games available for iOS right now.

The graphics look incredible for a mobile game. They are quite realistic, and the horse movement and the design of the tracks also give you the feel that you are participating in a real-world race.

Rival Stars Horse Racing has quite a fast pace, where you can complete some quests and upgrade your stable, but the focus is on the races, as it should be.

When we talk about the racing part of the game, every racetrack that you unlock offers something new. You get to race at different lengths and surfaces. But let’s focus on the important part, race mechanics.

You can steer the horse, brake, and activate their sprint ability. The horse’s performance is based on multiple factors such as ground consistency, position, race length, previous races, and much more.

Rival Stars Horse Racing also has a quite good breeding, training, and managing system. On top of that, there are many different horse coat colors and breeds. Unlike other games like Zelda where you can get a gold horse, Rival Stars Horse Racing focuses on realism. All of the horses have natural coat colors and traits.

You get to collect or breed horses, transform foals to feed, and upgrade facilities to unlock more options to progress.

The only thing that is missing from the game is the audience on the races since the race courses feel a bit empty with nobody around.

Horse Racing Manager 2024

This is a game that has a rather different approach than Rival Stars Horse Racing. It is focused more on the managing part of horse racing rather than on the actual gameplay and racing. You are in control of your business operation and your goal is to succeed in the world of horse racing and earn money.

You don’t have an impact on the races, and you cannot control your horse. The races are simulated, and the outcome depends on your horse’s stats and abilities.

That’s why horse training, and breeding a champion horse play a really important role in the game.

The best thing about Horse Racing Manager 2024 is the ability to race online. There are live PVP races that occur every 5 minutes and everyone can participate in them.

This is the perfect game if you want to learn what’s happening behind the curtains of horse racing as a sport. You are in control of your breeding rights that you can sell, as well as the age and career path of your horse.

It is an interesting game, especially for those who are not afraid of data and analysis.

iHorse Racing

This is a similar game to Rival Stars Horse Racing but with worse graphics, and fewer options. This game has multiple features like horse training, stable management, horse auction, race entries, CLU-jockey hiring system, and world jockey ranking, and you can connect your Facebook profile to invite friends.

To be honest, the graphics and gameplay of the game are fun and engaging, but I’d still go for Rival Stars Horse Racing, especially if you like a more realistic horse racing game.

Pocket Stables

Let’s drop down all the realism and focus on some retro 2D gameplay. For all retro game lovers who have a passion for horse racing, Pocket Stables is just the perfect game. At first glance, this game might look simple, but it actually has many features that make it even more fun.

For starters, you can build training facilities where you can increase your horse’s stats. Additionally, not all horses are the same and your goal should be to find a horse with the right balance of speed, stamina, and intensity.

As you win races, you’ll receive prizes, that can be used to upgrade your stable and give you better ways to breed a faster horse.

It’s fun, casual, and quite cute. Plus, you get to build your horse racing community and hire people that will take care of your stable.

Tech

The Importance of Keeping Up With Technology

Published

1 month ago

March 18, 2025

Ritwika

Technology is ever-changing. There are so many new things being introduced every day that it can be hard to keep up with all the latest trends. The way technology has changed and evolved has impacted a lot of areas. No matter what business you run or even if you do not run a business, your day-to-day life has been impacted by the introduction of technology.

I didn’t even know that services existed that gave you quick online loans for your short term needs. For me, loans meant tedious paperwork and days of back and forth with the bank. Every day I find a service that makes life easy, and it blows my mind.

Businesses that are updated on new technologies and integrate them into their workflow are often more efficient and keep up with the changing market, and this helps them be the most successful. Adapting to the new technologies makes production easier and also lets you provide your customers with a better service.

Being one of the first groups to apply new technologies to your business will also help you stay ahead of competitors. For your business to grow and flourish, you have to be toe to toe with the new trends so that you do not miss out on the opportunity.

As much as it is important to keep implementing things that prosper your business, it is crucial to keep up with new technologies. In today’s digital age, businesses across various sectors are leveraging technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and mobile applications to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and gain competitive advantages.

Say, for instance, in the long-term rental business, technology has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the industry. Online platforms and mobile apps have made it easier for customers to search, compare, and book rental properties seamlessly. Those looking for affordable options can simply search “houses for rent in porto portugal” or similar phrases to find houses that fit their budget and preferences. Additionally, different technologies have streamlined tasks like tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance scheduling, improving operational efficiency. Furthermore, the integration of smart home technologies has enabled remote monitoring, energy management, and enhanced security features, providing a superior rental experience for tenants.

As technology continues to evolve rapidly, it becomes imperative for businesses to embrace these advancements proactively. That said, let’s have a look at these points carefully:

Make sure to google things regularly.
Follow some tech blogs to stay updated on what’s hot.
Visit forums and participate in discussions.
Listen to podcasts that talk about technology in general and also in your niche.
Read books on what’s changing and how.
Set Google alerts for tech advancements in your niche.
Read newspapers to cover up the daily activities in the sector.
Subscribe to a reliable tech magazine to get a monthly recap and future plans.
Follow relevant hashtags on social media.

Social media is one of the most natural ways to find out about new cutting-edge technologies. Following companies such as Microsoft, Google, Sony, Intel, etc. on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates on products will help you stay updated.

Final Thoughts

Change is the way of life. We have made advancements by being aware of the change and adapting it. If you refuse to be in league with the current times, your business can easily be undermined by your competition.

Be aware of current and relevant business practices and technologies. This gives you an edge over your competition and is also one of the reasons to sustain and achieve business success.

Tech

Codes eTrueSports – Revolutionizing Esports with Blockchain Technology

Published

3 months ago

January 28, 2025

Charles Brown

The world of esports has exploded in popularity over the last decade, transforming from a niche hobby into a global phenomenon. With millions of players, fans, and dollars involved, esports is now a legitimate industry. However, as it grows, so do its challenges—issues like payment transparency, fair competition, and player exploitation have become increasingly prevalent. Enter Codes eTrueSports, a groundbreaking platform that aims to revolutionize the esports industry by integrating blockchain technology.

What is Codes eTrueSports?

Codes eTrueSports is not just another esports platform; it’s a vision for a more transparent, fair, and decentralized future for competitive gaming. By leveraging the power of blockchain, it addresses many of the pain points that players, teams, and fans face today. Whether you’re a professional gamer, a casual player, or a die-hard fan, Codes eTrueSports promises to enhance your experience in ways you never thought possible.

The Intersection of Esports and Blockchain

To understand why Codes eTrueSports is such a game-changer, it’s important to first understand blockchain technology. At its core, blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions securely and transparently. It’s the technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, but its applications go far beyond just money.

In the context of esports, blockchain can solve some of the industry’s biggest problems. For example:

Payment Transparency: Many players, especially in smaller tournaments, face delays or even non-payment of their earnings. Blockchain ensures that payments are automated and transparent.
Fraud Prevention: Cheating and match-fixing are significant issues in esports. Blockchain can verify player identities and ensure fair play.
Decentralization: Traditional esports platforms are often controlled by a few large organizations. Blockchain decentralizes power, giving players and fans more control.

Codes eTrueSports harnesses these benefits to create a more equitable and trustworthy esports ecosystem. It’s not just about playing games—it’s about creating a system where everyone involved can thrive.

Key Features of Codes eTrueSports

Codes eTrueSports stands out from traditional esports platforms thanks to its innovative use of blockchain technology. Here are some of its key features:

Smart Contracts for Fair Play

One of the most exciting aspects of Codes eTrueSports is its use of smart contracts. These are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. In the context of esports, smart contracts can automate tournament payouts, ensuring that players receive their winnings instantly and without intermediaries. This eliminates the risk of delayed or missing payments, which is a common issue in the industry.

Tokenization

Codes eTrueSports introduces its own native cryptocurrency or token, which can be used for various transactions within the platform. Players can earn tokens by participating in tournaments, while fans can use them to support their favorite teams or players. This creates a vibrant in-platform economy that benefits everyone involved.

Decentralized Governance

Unlike traditional esports platforms, where decisions are made by a central authority, Codes eTrueSports empowers its community through decentralized governance. Token holders can vote on important decisions, such as rule changes or new features. This ensures that the platform evolves in a way that benefits its users.

Player Verification

Cheating is a major problem in esports, with some players using fake accounts or hacks to gain an unfair advantage. Codes eTrueSports uses blockchain to verify player identities, making it much harder for cheaters to operate. This creates a level playing field where skill and strategy are the only things that matter.

Enhancing the Esports Experience for Players

For players, Codes eTrueSports offers a host of benefits that make competing more rewarding and secure.

Direct Access to Earnings

One of the biggest frustrations for esports players is the lack of transparency when it comes to payments. With Codes eTrueSports, players no longer have to worry about delayed or missing payments. Smart contracts ensure that winnings are distributed automatically and transparently, giving players peace of mind.

Fair Compensation

In traditional esports, players often rely on sponsorships or team contracts to make a living. These arrangements can be exploitative, with players receiving only a small fraction of the revenue they generate. Codes eTrueSports disrupts this model by allowing players to earn tokens directly through their performance. This ensures that players are fairly compensated for their skills and efforts.

Case Studies

Imagine a young gamer from a developing country who dreams of becoming a professional esports player. In the traditional system, they might struggle to find opportunities or face exploitation by unscrupulous organizations. With Codes eTrueSports, they can participate in tournaments, earn tokens, and build a career on their own terms. This is just one example of how the platform is leveling the playing field for players around the world.

Benefits for Teams and Organizations

Teams and organizations also stand to gain from Codes eTrueSports.

Transparent Revenue Sharing

In traditional esports, revenue sharing between teams, players, and sponsors can be opaque and contentious. Codes eTrueSports uses blockchain to ensure that all financial transactions are transparent and verifiable. This builds trust between all parties and fosters healthier relationships.

Improved Collaboration

By eliminating intermediaries, Codes eTrueSports makes it easier for teams and sponsors to collaborate directly. This streamlines the process of organizing tournaments and securing sponsorships, allowing teams to focus on what they do best—competing.

Streamlined Tournament Management

Organizing esports tournaments can be a logistical nightmare, with issues like payment disputes and scheduling conflicts. Codes eTrueSports simplifies this process by automating many aspects of tournament management through smart contracts. This ensures that tournaments run smoothly and efficiently.

Engaging the Esports Community

Codes eTrueSports isn’t just for players and teams—it’s also for fans.

Inclusive and Interactive Experience

Fans are the lifeblood of esports, and Codes eTrueSports recognizes this by creating a more inclusive and interactive experience. Through the platform’s token system, fans can support their favorite players or teams, participate in governance, and even earn rewards for their engagement.

Blockchain-Based Rewards and NFTs

Codes eTrueSports takes fan engagement to the next level with blockchain-based rewards and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Fans can collect unique digital assets, such as player cards or tournament memorabilia, which can be traded or sold. This adds a new dimension to the fan experience, making it more immersive and rewarding.

Challenges and Solutions

While Codes eTrueSports has the potential to revolutionize esports, it’s not without its challenges.

Barriers to Adoption

One of the biggest hurdles is the technical complexity of blockchain technology. Many people, especially those new to esports, may find it intimidating. To address this, Codes eTrueSports is investing in education and user-friendly interfaces to make the platform accessible to everyone.

Regulatory Concerns

Blockchain and cryptocurrencies operate in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. Codes eTrueSports is committed to staying compliant with local laws and regulations, ensuring that its platform is both innovative and trustworthy.

Scalability and Security

As the platform grows, it will need to handle an increasing number of users and transactions. Codes eTrueSports is building a robust infrastructure to ensure scalability and security, protecting users’ data and assets.

The Future of Codes eTrueSports

The potential for Codes eTrueSports is immense. As the platform evolves, it could expand into new esports titles and markets, bringing its benefits to an even wider audience. In the long term, it could pave the way for a more decentralized and equitable gaming industry.

Integration with the Broader Gaming Industry

Beyond esports, Codes eTrueSports could influence the broader gaming industry. Its use of blockchain technology could inspire other platforms to adopt similar models, creating a more transparent and fair ecosystem for all gamers.

Shaping the Future of Competitive Gaming

Codes eTrueSports is more than just a platform—it’s a movement. By empowering players, teams, and fans, it’s helping to shape the future of competitive gaming. As more people join the platform, its impact will only continue to grow.

Conclusion

Codes eTrueSports is a bold and ambitious project that has the potential to transform the esports industry. By combining the excitement of competitive gaming with the transparency and security of blockchain technology, it’s creating a platform where everyone can thrive. Whether you’re a player, a team, or a fan, Codes eTrueSports offers something for you.

So, what are you waiting for? Join the revolution and experience the future of esports with Codes eTrueSports. Together, we can build a more transparent, fair, and inclusive gaming world.